I use the BodiTrak pressure mat to identify how efficiently my students use the ground to create balance and power during the golf swing. What I often see is too much pressure on their heels at address, which causes them to move too much pressure to their toes during the backswing. That, unfortunately, creates poor balance and makes it difficult to deliver the club consistently at impact.
The nice thing about BodiTrak is that it shows foot pressure from setup to swing completion. In one recent session, a student set up with too much pressure on his trail heel. Then, as he swung to the top, he moved too much pressure to his trail toe, which made it difficult for him to get enough pressure onto his lead foot at impact.
To fix this common flaw we show players how to properly load pressure in the backswing. Here’s a good drill to get you in better balance:
Set up to the ball with slightly more pressure on your lead foot.
Lift your trail heel off the ground.
Swing the club back while planting your trail heel with that leg also feeling like it’s straightening.
Practice this move a few times without hitting a ball to create a good feel for the timing; then let it rip. Do it before every range session or round to see how proper ground mechanics can lead to a more balanced and powerful golf swing.
Erik Horve, PGA, is director of golf instruction at Tustin Ranch Golf Club.
